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Strawberry cheesecake wontons have become my signature quick dessert for everything from picnics to midnight cravings. You get all the creamy richness of cheesecake cradled in a crisp shell with juicy pops of fresh strawberries inside. Whether fried, baked, or air fried, they always disappear fast at our table.
The first time I made these, everyone thought I had pulled out a complicated pastry but they could not believe how simple and quick the process was. Since then, these have become a party trick in my back pocket for last-minute guests.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese: eight ounces softened to room temperature for smooth blending look for a block style rather than a tub for better structure
- Granulated sugar: a quarter cup just enough to sweeten the filling without overpowering the strawberries use fine cane sugar for best mixing
- Fresh strawberries: half a cup finely diced bursting with natural flavor choose ripe bright berries for optimal sweetness and color
- Vanilla extract: one teaspoon rounds out the flavors seek out pure vanilla for best aroma
- Wonton wrappers: twenty four silky thin pastry that fries or bakes to a perfect crunch buy fresh if possible for pliability
- Neutral oil: three cups only needed for frying methods choose canola vegetable or sunflower for a light taste
- Powdered sugar for dusting: a gentle snow of sweetness right before serving use a fine mesh strainer to get that picture perfect dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- Mix the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract using an electric mixer on medium until completely smooth and creamy. The mixture should be lump free. Fold in the diced strawberries gently using a spatula so you keep them intact and prevent bleeding.
- Assemble the Wontons:
- Lay each wonton wrapper flat on a clean surface. Place one teaspoon of the cheesecake filling right in the center. Moisten the edges lightly with water using your finger or a small brush. Carefully fold the wrapper over into a triangle pressing the edges tight to seal and force out any air bubbles so the wontons do not burst during cooking.
- Select Your Cooking Method:
- For frying heat three cups of neutral oil in a heavy pot to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Lower the wontons gently into the hot oil in batches so they do not stick. Fry for two to three minutes flipping occasionally until crisp and deeply golden. For baking arrange the filled wontons on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake at three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit for ten to twelve minutes until golden and crunchy. For air frying place the wontons in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit for six to eight minutes flipping once halfway through for even browning.
- Cool and Serve:
- Transfer cooked wontons to a wire rack right after baking or frying to drain and cool slightly. Dust generously with powdered sugar using a fine sieve while still a little warm. Serve immediately for that perfect combination of crunch and creaminess.
Strawberries are probably my favorite fruit and I love making these when the farmers markets start overflowing with their deep red aroma. My kids love pressing the edges of each wonton shut and always ask for an extra shake of powdered sugar at the table.
Storage Tips
Store leftover wontons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To keep them crisp, reheat in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes rather than microwaving. Fill and fold ahead of time, then cook right before serving if you want to prep for a party.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap in raspberries or chopped peaches if strawberries are out of season. Dairy free cream cheese works just as well. A bit of lemon zest added to the filling brightens it up for a more citrusy twist.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these wontons with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert or serve alongside fresh berries to balance the richness. For special occasions, drizzle with a warm berry sauce or a little melted chocolate for a restaurant style finish.
Cultural Influence
These wontons bring together Eastern and Western favorites in one playful bite. They borrow the quick cook appeal of classic dim sum treats and marry it with creamy American cheesecake flavors for something unique and festive.
Seasonal Adaptations
Try subbing summer peaches or blueberries for the strawberries During the winter opt for a spiced apple filling with a pinch of cinnamon Top baked wontons with a dollop of yogurt if you want to lighten it up
Success Stories
I made a double batch for a birthday sleepover and the kids demolished every single one in ten minutes.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Fold the wontons with filling and freeze in a single layer on a lined tray before cooking. Once solid, transfer to a bag. You can fry or bake them straight from the freezer just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
With these tips and tricks, your strawberry cheesecake wontons will surely impress every time. Dive in while still warm for the best creamy-crunchy bite.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do you prevent wontons from leaking during cooking?
Seal the edges firmly with water and press out any air pockets before cooking. This helps keep the filling inside.
- → Can frozen strawberries be used instead of fresh?
Yes, but thaw and drain excess moisture from frozen strawberries to prevent soggy filling.
- → What’s the difference in taste when fried, baked, or air fried?
Fried wontons are crispier, baked are lighter, and air fried offer a balance of crispness and less oil.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Keep cooled wontons in an airtight container and refrigerate. Reheat to restore crispness.
- → Can you prepare these in advance?
Yes, fill and fold the wontons ahead and refrigerate. Cook just before serving for best texture.